The first mayoral debate of New York City’s general election saw a dynamic exchange among candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. The discussion spanned a range of pressing issues, from the rising cost of groceries to the political legacy of former President Donald Trump and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Each candidate presented their vision for addressing these challenges, highlighting their policy priorities and leadership styles. Mamdani emphasized economic relief for struggling families, while Cuomo focused on restoring trust in government. Sliwa, known for his grassroots activism, advocated for community-driven solutions. The debate underscored the diverse concerns of NYC residents and set the stage for a competitive election season.
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Putin-Trump call a curveball for Zelensky ahead of White House meeting
In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold an in-person summit in Hungary, following a two-and-a-half-hour phone call on Thursday. The announcement comes as Ukraine faces relentless attacks from Russia, including missile strikes and drone assaults targeting civilian infrastructure and the gas supply network, exacerbating the country’s already dire situation. The timing of the call, which occurred while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was en route to Washington, has raised concerns in Kyiv, as it appears to overshadow Zelensky’s efforts to secure critical military aid. Zelensky had hoped to persuade Trump to approve the sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles, which could significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory. However, Trump’s willingness to provide such weapons remains uncertain, especially after his recent remarks questioning the wisdom of deploying Tomahawks against Russia. The summit announcement has been interpreted by some analysts as a strategic move by Putin to de-escalate tensions while maintaining his position. Meanwhile, Zelensky remains resolute, meeting with U.S. defense representatives to advocate for advanced weaponry. As Ukraine braces for its fourth winter of war, the prospect of a Trump-Putin summit offers little reassurance to a nation weary of conflict and skeptical of diplomatic breakthroughs.
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Trump threatens to ‘go in and kill’ Hamas if Gaza killings continue
Former US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas on Thursday, threatening military intervention if the group continues to target civilians in Gaza. Speaking on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump emphasized that such actions violate the terms of a prior ceasefire agreement with Israel. ‘If Hamas persists in killing people in Gaza, which was not part of the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and eliminate them,’ he declared. This statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region following recent attacks on Palestinian civilians. Trump’s remarks underscore his hardline stance on foreign policy and his willingness to employ military force to address perceived threats. The situation has drawn global attention, with many nations closely monitoring developments in the volatile Gaza Strip.
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Sheikh Mohammed’s vision: Dubai to host world’s largest tech and AI event in 2026
Dubai is poised to make history by hosting the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event in 2026. Named ‘Gitex TechCation 2026,’ the event will take place from December 7 to 11 at Expo City Dubai, as announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The initiative is part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s vision to position Dubai as a global leader in technology and innovation. The event will transcend traditional convention halls, leveraging Dubai’s tourism and cultural networks to create immersive, citywide experiences. A strategic partnership between the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has been established to curate programs and campaigns that integrate technology with the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. This approach aims to extend visitor stays and enhance Dubai’s appeal as a premier destination for tourism, investment, and innovation. Dubai’s global standing as a top travel destination has been reinforced by its three consecutive wins in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards (2022-2024) and its burgeoning culinary scene, which boasts 119 Michelin-recognized restaurants, including 19 with Michelin Stars. Gitex TechCation aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to rank Dubai among the world’s top three global cities by 2033. The event will further solidify Dubai’s reputation as a hub for talent, foreign direct investment, and commerce, building on its record of attracting Greenfield FDI projects and its top ranking in Savills’ Executive Nomad Index.
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Trump says to meet Putin in Hungary
US President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he will hold a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary. The announcement followed a phone conversation between the two leaders, which Trump described as “very productive.” The primary focus of their discussion was the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both leaders aiming to explore pathways toward resolution. Additionally, they delved into the potential for future trade relations between the United States and Russia once the conflict subsides. Trump expressed optimism about the progress made during their call, stating, “I believe great progress was made with today’s telephone conversation.” The upcoming meeting in Budapest is expected to further solidify diplomatic efforts to address the crisis and potentially pave the way for economic collaboration.
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DRC announces partners for 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival
The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) has officially announced its lineup of partners for the 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival, set to commence on November 7, 2025. This prestigious event, renowned for its thrilling horse racing and glamorous social gatherings, will feature a host of prominent sponsors and collaborators. Emirates Airline, a long-standing supporter, will headline the opening night and lend its name to the highly anticipated Emirates Super Saturday on February 28, 2026. Longines, another key partner, returns to sponsor the iconic ‘Fashion Friday’ fixture on January 23, 2026. Other major sponsors include Nakheel, DP World, Azizi Developments, Al Tayer Motors, and Emaar, the latter of which will once again support the beloved Style Stakes fashion competition at the Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026. The DRC also welcomes new event and media partners such as Binghatti, ARN, Zoho, Khaleej Times, CNN, and Phi Advertising. Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club, expressed gratitude to all partners, emphasizing their crucial role in delivering world-class racing and entertainment. The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival will span 16 days, culminating in the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup, one of the most spectacular race days globally.
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Qatar’s Al Haydos pledges Gaza school, sports hall after reaching World Cup
Qatar’s national football team captain, Hassan Al Haydos, has announced a significant humanitarian initiative following his team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 34-year-old forward pledged to fund the construction of a school and a sports hall in Gaza, linking the sporting achievement to broader global concerns. This gesture underscores the intersection of sports and humanitarianism, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments. Qatar secured their place in the World Cup after a decisive 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Doha, topping Group A in the Asian qualification process. This marks Qatar’s second World Cup appearance, following their hosting of the 2022 tournament. Al Haydos, who returned to the national team this year after a brief retirement, emphasized the importance of using sporting success as a platform for positive change. In his statement, he highlighted the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the peace summit held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on October 13, expressing hope for a safer future for the region. ‘In moments of celebration, our responsibility remains to remember the suffering of our brothers and sisters across the world,’ Al Haydos said. ‘God willing, I will contribute by donating towards the construction of a school and a sports hall as part of Gaza’s reconstruction — believing that education and sports are the path to life once again.’ The pledge aligns with international efforts to rebuild Gaza after two years of conflict, emphasizing the transformative power of education and sports in fostering resilience and hope.
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Pakistan PM says ‘ball in Afghan Taliban’s court’ for permanent ceasefire
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Thursday that the responsibility for establishing a permanent ceasefire now lies with the Afghan Taliban, following a temporary 48-hour truce aimed at de-escalating recent cross-border violence. Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is prepared to engage in dialogue if the Taliban addresses Islamabad’s concerns within the stipulated timeframe. He reiterated Pakistan’s demand for the elimination of Pakistani Taliban militants and stressed that Afghan territory must not be used as a base for planning attacks against Pakistan. The temporary ceasefire, which began at 6 pm Islamabad time on Wednesday, was implemented after a week of intense clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates, a claim Kabul denies. Tensions escalated further last week when explosions rocked Afghan territory, including the capital, with Taliban officials blaming Pakistan for the attacks. The violence coincided with a rare diplomatic visit by Afghanistan’s foreign minister to India, Pakistan’s regional rival. In response to the border skirmishes, Afghan Taliban forces launched an offensive, prompting Pakistan to vow retaliation. Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban to prevent militant groups from using Afghan soil for cross-border attacks since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
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‘Everything turned to ash’: Gazans return to razed homes
As a fragile ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, displaced residents are returning to their homes only to find them obliterated. The streets of Gaza City, once bustling with life, are now eerily empty, lined with heaps of concrete that were once apartment buildings. Many structures have completely collapsed, leaving families to confront the harsh reality of their losses. Amid the ruins, individuals like Hossam Majed, 31, are salvaging what little remains of their belongings, including essential items like a large water tank. Majed has set up a makeshift shelter to guard his possessions from potential thieves, but the challenges are immense. ‘Even food is more expensive than in the south because it’s scarce. There’s no electricity, no water, no internet,’ he lamented. Umm Rami Lubbad, who fled to southern Gaza for safety, returned to find her home reduced to rubble. ‘My heart nearly stopped when I saw the house reduced to rubble,’ she said. Now, she and her children are effectively homeless, sleeping in the streets or relying on neighbors for shelter during artillery shelling. Ahmad al-Abbasi, who fled south during the bombings, returned to find his five-storey building completely destroyed. ‘We came back north hoping to find our homes and rebuild our lives. As you can see… Gaza has turned into a ghost town,’ he said. Mustafa Mahram, another resident, found his three-storey house reduced to ashes. ‘Everything’s gone, turned to ashes… There’s no way to live here,’ he lamented. The residents are now struggling to rebuild their lives with limited resources, hoping for aid and the eventual delivery of tents to provide some semblance of shelter.
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Gold smuggling surges in India as price spikes before festivals
Gold smuggling in India has seen a significant uptick as the nation approaches the festive seasons of Dhanteras and Diwali, occasions traditionally marked by auspicious gold purchases. Government and industry officials report that the surge is driven by record-high gold prices and a supply crunch. Despite a reduction in import taxes from 15% to 6% last year, which initially curbed smuggling, recent weeks have witnessed a resurgence in illegal activities. Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials have foiled several smuggling attempts at various Indian airports. A Chennai-based bullion dealer noted that the process of bringing gold into India and liquidating it has become quicker and less risky due to strong festival demand and limited supply. Gold prices in India hit a record 128,395 rupees per 10 grams, a 67% increase this year, making smuggling highly lucrative. Grey market operators can earn margins exceeding 1.15 million rupees per kilogram by evading import duties and local sales taxes. A Mumbai-based bullion dealer highlighted the increasing profitability for smugglers as gold prices continue to rise. The situation is exacerbated by banks’ inability to meet full demand, leading to high premiums on available stock. Indian dealers are quoting premiums of up to $25 per ounce over official domestic prices, the highest in over a decade. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, government agencies registered 3,005 cases of gold smuggling and seized 2.6 metric tons of the metal.
